Dinesh Karthik Reveals How Virat Kohli Revived His India Career Before Champions Trophy 2017

Dinesh Karthik opened up on Virat Kohli’s crucial support during Champions Trophy 2017 and revealed how the former India captain backed him during some of the most important phases of his career.

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has recalled how Virat Kohli played a major role in bringing him back into the Indian squad during the ICC Champions Trophy 2017.

While Indian fans remember the tournament for the heartbreaking final defeat against Pakistan, Karthik looks back at the event with gratitude because it marked his return to the national setup after nearly three years away from ODI cricket.

Karthik had last represented India in the format in 2014 and was fighting hard to reclaim his place. His opportunity finally arrived after Manish Pandey suffered a left-side strain during IPL 2017 and was ruled out of the Champions Trophy squad.

That was when Kohli, who was India’s captain at the time, personally backed Karthik’s inclusion.

“Virat called me and said, ‘You’re doing really well.’ And then on the physiotherapy table with Basu sir, he said, ‘Dinesh is playing really well, he should be a part of the Champions Trophy squad,’” DK recalled during a podcast with Nipun Marya, CEO, iQOO.

Although Karthik did not get a match during the tournament, the gesture from Kohli remained deeply meaningful for him.

“An endorsement like that, from a person like him, means a lot,” he added.

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Kohli Continued Supporting DK During T20 World Cup Journey

The bond between Kohli and Karthik grew stronger when the two reunited in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru dressing room during IPL 2022.

That season turned out to be one of the biggest comebacks of Karthik’s career, as his explosive performances for RCB earned him a place in India’s T20 World Cup squad for Australia later that year.

Karthik revealed that Kohli once again publicly supported his return to the Indian side.

“He told the world through the media that what I was doing was special and that I should be in the World Cup team. For someone like Virat to acknowledge my journey that meant everything,” he recalled.

The former wicketkeeper-batter also shared that Kohli encouraged him when he recently received a coaching opportunity.

“He said, ‘I believe you should take it up, because I believe you would be a good coach,” DK recalled.

Karthik explained that Kohli’s opinion carries huge value because of the respect they share despite having very different personalities.

“His words mean a lot to me because he sees things from a very different lens. We have different personalities, but there is a lot of mutual respect between us.”

Karthik Opens Up On Personal Bond With Kohli’s Family

Beyond cricket, Karthik said his friendship with Kohli has become even more special because of the close relationship between their families.

The former India batter revealed that they often spend time together when he travels to England or during IPL seasons.

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“When I go to England, I end up spending a lot of time with Virat, Anushka, and their family,” Karthik shared.

Karthik also spoke emotionally about seeing the next generation of their families bonding together.

“Today I see my son interacting with his daughter, Vamika, when we spend time together during IPL and beyond. It’s a nice feeling. It’s something I hold very close to my heart, and I wish it remains that way for a long time,” he added.